napkins

I know Summer’s not here yet, but I couldn’t resist!  Here in DC, we’ve gone from 70 degree days to having a winter storm in one week!  But, I must keep focusing forward- at least Spring is finally here and as you can probably tell, I have been more than ready to do a few colorful DIYs.  These circle-stamped tea towels are super cute, and they use toilet paper rolls to do the trick.  Check out the tutorial below!

For this DIY, you’ll need:

• White tea towels or fabric napkins
• Toilet paper rolls
• Circle sponge brush
• Fabric paints
• Scrap piece of cardboard or thick paper
• Iron

Step 1:

Start by ironing your towels so that they are free of wrinkles.  I did not paint on the full towel, as they’re only being used for decorative purposes.  Fold the towel in half and slip a piece of cardboard or think paper between the fold so the paint does not seep through.

Step 2: 

Choose your paint colors.  I’m using multi-surface, satin paints from Martha Stewart’s collection for this craft.  I chose pretty, bright colors that are eye-catching and remind me of Spring and Summer.  I squeezed the paint out in a circle pattern to make it easier for the toilet paper rolls to pick it up.

Step 3:

I have 4 colors, so I needed 4 toilet paper rolls.  You could use 2 rolls; but it’s definitely easier using 4- as you can stand the roll up after you stamp each one.  Dip the toilet paper roll in the paint.  Make sure the paint gets on the entire circle.

Step 4:

Here you can stamp any pattern you like- I chose to do straight lines across the towel.  Begin stamping the towel starting at one end.  Alternate colors and hold the rolls firmly, so that they stay in circle form as you stamp.

Step 5:

Continue stamping all the way to the end of the towel.

Step 6:

Using a small, round sponge brush, add smaller painted dots inside some of the circles.  Make sure the paper or cardboard is still underneath the towel when you do this step.

Step 7: 

Let the paint dry according to manufacturer instructions.  These were completely dry in about 30 minutes.

Step 8:

Place another piece of fabric over top of the towel and iron it on a low setting to set the paint.

And that’s it!  Display these colorful tea towels at your next party or festive event!